Kenyan Muslims who participated in Hajj 2026 have praised the organisation of this year’s pilgrimage, citing significant improvements in accommodation, welfare services, sanitation and overall coordination compared to previous years, when some pilgrims raised concerns about service delivery.
Speaking after completing the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, several pilgrims said the arrangements allowed them to fulfil their religious obligations with greater ease and comfort, describing the experience as one of the best organised in recent years.
Pilgrim Sheikh Muhamad Alwy said the journey had been smooth from start to finish.
"We thank Almighty God because everything has been calm and orderly. The arrangements were well planned, and things went well this year. Supkem made a great effort, and we are pleased with the work they put in to support pilgrims," he said.
Another pilgrim, Kassim, who was undertaking Hajj for the seventh time, said he had witnessed notable improvements compared to previous years.
"This is my seventh Hajj, and there has been a lot of improvement this year. Last year there were shortcomings, particularly in accommodation, but this year there has been clear progress. The cleanliness standards were very high, and the tents have been greatly improved," he said.
For first-time pilgrim Mujaheed Zahur, the experience exceeded expectations.
"It was my first Hajj, and the experience was very good. Everything was well organised, and I was able to complete my religious duties without major difficulties," he said.
Sheikh Abdul Majeed, who has performed Hajj before, also noted a significant improvement.
"I have undertaken Hajj before, and this year there is a very big difference. I can see that the organisers are doing much more to improve the experience of pilgrims," he said.
Despite the positive feedback, health officials reported that hundreds of Kenyan pilgrims sought medical attention during the pilgrimage, largely due to flu-related illnesses caused by weather conditions and dust.
Dr Hussein Iman, Director of Health and Sanitation at Supkem, said medical teams attended to a large number of pilgrims throughout the Hajj period.
"We treated around 800 patients, while another 200 sought medical attention on the Day of Arafah. In Makkah, we attended to about 350 more cases. Most of the illnesses were flu-related and were caused by the weather conditions and dust," he said.
Supkem Organising Secretary Juma Musa Osman attributed the positive experience to extensive planning and preparations undertaken ahead of the pilgrimage.
"This year's Hajj has been very successful and well organised. For the first time, the council implemented major strategies aimed at improving services and ensuring pilgrims were properly supported throughout the journey," he said.
Supkem Deputy National Chairman Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy said the improvements were the result of close cooperation between Hajj administrators, service providers and Saudi authorities.
"There has been considerable progress this year. This is due to the efforts of those managing the pilgrimage, the service providers, the ministry and the government. The Saudi government has made every effort to improve the Hajj experience for pilgrims from around the world," he said.
The positive assessment from Kenyan pilgrims follows concerns raised during previous pilgrimages over accommodation and logistical challenges. Many expressed hope that the standards achieved during Hajj 2026 will be maintained and further improved in the years ahead.
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